§ Mr. Strawasked the Secretary of State for Defence what have been the increases, at current prices, in defence spending from 1978–79 until 1983–84, in cash and percentage terms.
§ Mr. LeeThe year-on-year increases in defence expenditure at current prices since 1978–79 are as follows:
Increase over previous year £ million Per cent. 1979–80 1,721 23.1 1980–81 2,004 21.8 1981–82 1,425 12.7 1982–83 1,806 14.3 1983–84 1,308 9.1 The figures take no account of changes in the definition of defence expenditure over the period. The figures for 1983–84 are based on current provision.